Ranchi, December 11, 2023: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for the 6th time in connection with a money laundering probe related to alleged fraudulent land transactions in Ranchi. Soren is expected to appear before the agency in Ranchi on a date to be fixed.
The ED had earlier summoned Soren on August 14, 2023, but he did not appear citing official engagements. He was also summoned on August 24, 2023, but he again skipped the summons. In November 2023, Soren challenged the ED summons in the Jharkhand High Court, but his plea was dismissed. He then moved the Supreme Court, which directed him to file his plea before the High Court.
The ED is investigating a case of alleged money laundering in connection with the sale and purchase of land in Ranchi district. The agency has alleged that Soren used his position as Chief Minister to grant mining leases to his associates and family members in violation of the law.
Soren has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the ED of being politically motivated. He has also said that the summons are an attempt to destabilize his government.
The ED summons to Soren has come at a time when the Jharkhand government is facing a political crisis. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been demanding Soren's resignation over the alleged land scam. The BJP has also threatened to move a no-confidence motion against Soren's government.
It remains to be seen whether Soren will appear before the ED on the 6th summons. If he fails to appear, the agency could take coercive action against him, including arresting him.
